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Leica D-LUX 4

Photokina report

Thursday 18th, September 2008Posted by: Dennis Hissink

The Leica D-LUX 4 introduced by Leica Camera AG, Solms is a compact digital camera with powerful optics and a comprehensive range of settings. What’s new about this camera is the wide range of accessories for additionally widening its photographic potential, offering the sophisticated user even more possibilities for creative photography. With its 1/1.63“ CCD image sensor, which is unusually large for this class of camera, the Leica D-LUX 4 produces images of superlative quality. The Leica D-LUX 4 sports a high-speed Leica DC VARIO-SUMMICRON 5.1-12.8 mm f/2.0-2.8 ASPH lens with a focal length range of 24 to 60 mm in 35 mm format. The Leica D-LUX 4 will be available in a black finish at Leica stockists‘ from October 2008.

Leica D-LUX 4 digital cameraApart from the particularly high speed, it is the ultra short initial focal length of 24 mm that opens up new creative opportunities in landscape, architecture, travel and reportage photography, for example. Its high speed also makes the Leica D-LUX 4 ideal for available light exposures. Whether in poor light or for selective use of field depth, the lens of the Leica D-LUX 4 gives the photographer scope for highly individual picture composition. An integrated image stabilizer reliably protects against camera shake in all photographic situations, even in difficult light conditions.

Leica optional accessoriesThe Leica D-LUX 4 offers a wide range of optional accessories that extend the camera’s application potential: An additional filter adapter, for instance, allows the use of an E46 UVa filter to adapt to special conditions. A black brilliant viewfinder with 24 mm brightline frame can be attached to the flash shoe of the Leica D-Lux 4, enabling the photographer to view his subject without using battery power. A slot-on compact flash unit Leica CF 22 is also available for the Leica D-LUX 4. Another option is an additional handgrip that makes the camera easier to hold. The camera is also prepared for photos in HDTV format: By connecting the camera’s HD port to a HD television set with optional component cable, slides can be shown in high definition. The range of accessories is rounded off by high-quality leather cases in black and brown.

Leica D-LUX 4 camera system“With the add-on accessories, the high-speed optics and intelligent operation concept, the Leica D-LUX 4 is a real “little“ system camera whose performance profile can definitely hold its own in comparison with a professional camera. The unlimited potential for creative photography, the ultra fast image processing and the compact, classic camera design gives users of the Leica D-LUX 4 extra high flexibility for capturing unique moments in unforgettable images,“ says Stefan Trippe, Vice President Production and Engineering at Leica Camera AG.

Leica compact camera - Image sensor and DisplayThe Leica D-LUX 4 features an unusually large CCD image sensor for this class of camera. Measuring 1/1.63“ and offering 10.1 megapixel resolution, it is able to differentiate the finest details and faithfully reproduce tonal values. The new Leica D-Lux 4 can take photos in all three formats (4:3/3:2/16:9) to suit the particular recording or playback situation. Thanks to the greater sensor size it is even possible to retain the full 24 mm wide angle. The 460,000 pixel camera display has a wide viewing angle and creates an exceptionally brilliant image, enabling photographers to make a reliable and exact assessment of the picture composition both when taking the photo and when reviewing it. The additional possibility of adjusting the viewing angle ensures a good view of the display even for extreme camera perspectives.

Leica DC VARIO- SUMMICRON opticsThe high-speed zoom lens Leica DC VARIO- SUMMICRON 5.1-12.8 mm f/2.0-2.8 ASPH consists of eight elements (four of them aspherical) in six groups. The optics are individually matched to the camera sensor, working in harmony with the electronics and software to produce stunningly brilliant pictures in true-to-life colors. As regards color matching, contrast and picture definition, Leica Camera AG has developed its own profile. This is oriented to the picture characteristics that are well known to Leica System Camera customers from their use in combination with professional film materials and specialist development laboratories.

The Leica D-LUX 4 has a strikingly clear and concentrated design. This and the reduction to the essentials show the camera’s typical Leica lineage. The ergonomic layout of controls and intuitive operating concept make it a pleasure to handle. Focus, shutter speed, stops and exposure override can all be set manually with the joystick. For those who like photography to be even less complicated, the camera integrates many improved automatic functions. When they are switched on, the user just has to press the shutter release button to obtain a perfectly exposed and focused picture. In automatic mode, the camera automatically combines the many individual functions to suit the subject and the photographic conditions, controlling the O.I.S. image stabilizer, the automatic ISO control, face recognition, automatic contrast compensation and automatic choice of scene mode. The Leica D-LUX 4 is supplied with a battery charger, a powerful rechargeable battery and a comprehensive software package. A high-quality leather case with smart classic design is also available as a further accessory.

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